Barry, All Saints' | Societies

mothers' union

Did you know...

That the Mothers' Union was started by Mary Sumner in 1876.

That Queen Victoria was the first Patron of the MU.

That the Mothers' Union has more than 3 million members in over 76 countries and 5,000 churches throughout the UK and Ireland have an MU branch.

That Mothers' Union is forward thinking, progressing and progressive, that whilst maintaining all its original aims, the most important of which is the preservation of family life, it is open to ALL, married, single, with or without families, male - yes there are many men in MU, and female. All that is asked is that you have been baptised.

That we have a quarterly magazine, 'Home and Family' which gives details of the MU work done throughout the world and, 'Inset' which has just changed its name to, 'In Touch' and gives MU news from our diocese.

That Internationally the MU has UN consultative status, is involved in literacy and development programmes and a range of diverse programmes in many countries around the world. In the UK we have a national parenting programme. Almost certainly, MU members will be involved with families in your local area wherever you are in the UK.

That the MU has 5 main objectives:

To uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding.

To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church.

To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.

To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.

To help those whose family life has met with adversity.

If you knew all that then you must surely be an MU member, but please read further to learn about our branch.

All Saints' Mothers' Union, Barry

Our present branch was formed 21 years ago by Janet Oeppen. On that evening in February 1987, 42 members were enrolled - we now have double that number.

Our banner, which is carried with pride at the Deanery Festivals, is placed in the sanctuary. It was the gift of a member, sadly departed, in memory of her 50th wedding anniversary and later its clear cover was given anonymously by another member.

At our meetings which are held in the Church Hall on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 7:30pm, we have a variety of speakers and illustrated talks, and a lot of chat and laughter! We hold coffee mornings and sales to support our charity, Welcare, attending the services in the Cathedral to make our gift; we are also at the Cathedral for our Deanery Eucharists and other important services.

On the social side we host the Harvest Supper and the Carols and Mince Pie Evenings. We have an annual evening trip when we visit an interesting Church e.g. Ewenny Priory, followed by an equally interesting visit to a local 'eatery'!

If you are not a member and would like to know more, why not come along to a meeting - you don't have to join, just sort of 'try before you buy'. You're sure to meet someone you already know and if not, you're sure to know someone new before you go!

Croeso! Bien venue! Ben venuto! You're welcome in any language!

Now that's another fact about MU.

further info

If you are in agreement with the objectives of the MU and wish to know more the Mothers' Union website can be found here.